[Inspiration | Musing] Seeing Beauty, Sharing Beautifully

When the first word and visual were inked and imprinted here on LUMINNEJ, it was a space we have intended it to be creative, luminous and always beautiful, in our eyes, though we understand very well that the notion of beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and can never be a mould that fits all. Sharing was our ultimate intention, in hope, that everyone, especially women, in specific, would be able to see beauty and find beauty in all things in our life, be it big or small. 

Beauty to us, may not only be makeup and cosmetic products (though most of us would be pretty excited when we discovered that favourite lipstick we could not leave home without, or that lovely shade of sunnies we can't do without), it extends further than that. We truly wanted to explore the inner works of being a woman, ourselves. Yes, you can say it is a selfish intention on our part, but the more that age catches up on us, we realise this part of the urge, the burning desire to find out what really makes us tick, what makes us happy, or sad, truly, ultimately, as a woman, becomes alarmingly important.

We have openly admitted before here, we adopt quite a nonchalant approach to makeup, same goes to fashion and our own physical outlooks or aesthetics, though we never denied that what makes us look good on the outside, does in some ways, uplifts our spirits and feels good on the inside, at times. We love beautiful photography and wish to share that, within our beauty reviews, not necessarily with the intention to ask you to "buy" more (sounds hypocritical, huh) but merely our passion for capturing something, the best luminous way we know how (with our limited knowledge and photography skill). We are sharing our very own experiences, and can be subjective, and always in hope that you would still make your own decisions at the end, based on your own needs and financial capability.

Perhaps we are rambling on in this post. It is merely something we read recently that got us thinking, or maybe today is Mother's Day? We believe all women deserve to be beautiful, in our own ways. If whatever that makes you happy (not on the expense of others' misery or sufferings), we say, go for it, lovelies. If you feel makeup makes you happy, put it on, if you feel that piece of garment fits you perfectly, wear it. As for us, not all things that make us happy need to belong to us. We are merely a passing soul on this earth. At the end of the day, we realised, no matter how much makeup or clothes we have in our closet, we rarely consume them all, we only almost reach out to a handful that truly touches our heart *_^

If you are those who are truly critical and want a thorough beauty review, there are so many amazing beauty blogs out there, which will give you a more in depth insights into it, and help you make wiser decision on your next purchase. 

We are here, in our small little way, to perhaps hold your hand, once in a while, if you ever need one (virtually of course) or give you a shoulder to rest on, if you need someone to listen to, or if you enjoy something a tad different to read about, to find your soul again, to reconnects with your tired heart, or open it more, to the beauty in life. We hope, we have done so, for you, and in return, for us, to keep moving on, and keep growing and learning, as a woman.

Thanks for listening and for always supporting. We love you all. Women are strong because of love, we endure the hardest in life, simply not because we are capable, stronger than our opposite sex, it is merely because out of our love for others, we always put others before us, some times, forget that, we ourselves need some of that love too. Visuals do not exactly co-relate with blog post. All visuals via LUMI's pinterest board here.

Last but not least, Happy Mother's Day! and wish that each and every 365 days is a special mother's day (and a woman's day) for we all deserve all the love, all year round, don't you agree?

With love, 

Jeann

[Review] Dior Diorsnow Bloom Perfect Brightening Perfect Moist Cushion

What is more apt to enjoy the presence of spring then to explore and discover a new introduction to cushion from a Western beauty brand that we have come to love, Dior? This time around, it is Dior's very first moist cushion that has hit the Malaysian stores since March. We had the pleasure to try this one out, quite some time back, thanks to Dior Malaysia for the love, and we have been wanting to share our experience since. The cushion wave is still pretty strong, this season, so let's get started shall we?

Dior Diorsnow Bloom Perfect Brightening Perfect Moist Cushion SPF50 PA+++

The fact that this new cushion which is put under the brand's Diorsnow range suggests that it has "brightening" properties and most likely is designed for Asian skin. Enriched with Dior skincare natural active skincare ingredients, amongst others is the brightening power of Edelweiss from the Dior Gardens in Switzerland, this is Dior's first ultra-moist skincare cushion with patented air cushion technology - Diorsnow Bloom Perfect Brightening Perfect Moist Cushion, which promises to refresh, deeply moisten and unify skin for a natural luminous perfection under high protection, anytime, anywhere. Comes in quite a relatively bigger box than the usual cushion compact, we were surprised to find that this set comes readily with another set of refill and puff, apart from the existing original set. The refill is sold separately as well.

[FACES] The Practical Designer Who Is Sonny San of ECLIPSE

First met the established and award-winning fashion designer back in 2007, when he was appointed the head judge to the TV program Mifa8 Fashion Forward competition for young Malaysian designers, Sonny San, the man behind ECLIPSE, this homegrown fashion brand since 1996, which has since reached the international shores and recognition worldwide today, we were immediately drawn to his unmistakable honesty and straightforwardness (almost like Simon Cowell, but a more polished one though) and have remained one of our good fashion designer friends. The moment we requested a face-to-face interview session with him, he happily said yes! Away from the limelight and glitz of fashion (and from camera), Sonny is a relatively private person, but whenever we meet, the eloquent-speaking and dashing side of him resurfaces for those moments, and talking to him made us feel like the best of friends, all over again, every time. This special chat, was no exception. 

M.A.C Trends SS16: ALL or NOTHING Part 1

Nothing beats checking out the latest colours and beauty trends that intertwine with runway shows better than from a beauty brand that pushes the envelope of how makeup is perceived and interpreted, again and again, the makeup innovator, M.A.C Cosmetics. Following our "tradition" of sharing these trends with you previously (here), we are excited to explore with you the latest Spring/Summer 2016 makeup looks, inspired by fashion and backstage beauties and creations. This season, the two major themes are ALL or NOTHING. Under the ALL theme, there are trends like Aquatic, Broken Doll, Crayon and Hot Cherry. As for NOTHING, there are Lustre, Raw Refined and The Face. Today, we shall share 2 trends from each theme here. 

ALL

There is a refreshing simplicity to beauty this season, in both literal and conceptual terms: makeup artist are either making a decisive statement that pushes one element to the extreme, or adopting a variant on "no makeup" as an equally strong and relevant stye of choice for SS16. "You're either doing what looks like nothing or a strong something." summarises Tom Pecheux. The relative extremity of both these aesthetic options feels modern right now because they rebel against generic beauty. "It's about rejecting the idea that beauty can be a 'recipe'," says Terry Barber of how makeup artists are exploring ways to elevate natural beauty while simultaneously challenging the idea of "perfection." that an embrace of "real" beauty has been relevant for a few seasons reveals that the notion of a total seasonal "reboot" on aesthetics is a rather outmoded concept: the story of modern makeup is a conversation that evolves from one season to the next, the current debate swings away from symmetry, airbrushing or homogenised proportions and swings towards representing a confident, sentient individual whose makeup fits her face rather than clones "a look." 

[Review] La Mer The Lifting Eye Serum

Visuals via LUMINNEJ Instagram

Our very first introduction to this luxury brand that has cult followings was back when La Mer introduces their La Mer Reparative Skintint here, and this wonderful foundation tint remains one of our all time favourite face products till today. This time around, we are pleased to receive yet another new innovative product from La Mer, their new The Lifting Eye Serum to try out recently, all thanks to La Mer Malaysia *_^ 

Continuing its commitment to deliver optimal benefits that lift the look of skin. La Mer introduces The Lifting Eye Serum with its new Stretch Matrix Complex to visibly support the architecture of the eye and brow. Sounds cool with the word matrix and all, right? Actually, much thought and research was put into developing such a product, as it combines red-algae technology and other sea-based actives to help strengthen, repair and uplift the look of the eye area. We shall see how it fairs, all right?

Jo Malone London Cologne Intense | An Intensely Pleasant Rendezvous

Rich, rare and ritualistic, we were being ushered into the mystical world of Middle Eastern's heritage, culture and its allure of spices and oils, mingling ever so gently in the pleasant afternoon air that unmistakably belonged to this British fragrance brand which has its core philosophy steeped in elegant simplicity, reflected so cleverly by the black, dark and hypnotic ambience and decor put up at the The Gallery, Le Meridien Hotel recently. Our interest were immediately piqued. We are so in love with our very first cologne by Jo Malone London here, so naturally, we could not wait to discover what this new Jo Malone London Cologne Intense brings forth. We were about to find out more at this private media preview then.

[Review] NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint, A Soft Focus You That Is Absolutely Alluring

Soft-Matte, soft-focus with a certain level of protection, this new NARS innovative face product is one that would make any modern busy woman want to reach out for more. We had the privilege to have a much closer look at the NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint Broad Spectrum SPF30, PA+++ before it was launch as we were testing out and trying to put together a special feature blog post featuring face products that would give that luminous radiant glow look (here for more). Much to our surprise, this new one falls into a complete different category all together, therefore, we decided to review it on its own here much later. We also had the opportunity to attend its official launch recently and saw first hand, how this wonderful new addition to the NARS family performed impeccably on the model's face. We also had a quick sneak peek at NARS Spring Collection 2016 with all the gorgeous colours of spring *_^

[Inspiration | Musing] Reading Between The Lines

Women are complicated, yet simplistic, we can be fierce in pursuit of our dreams, yet vulnerable in protecting them, we look for the best in mankind, yet reserve the most precious part of us to those who understand us most, our trust in you, who may cross our paths. Remember, never to betray that trust we so dearly give you. We laugh unconditionally, we cry unreasonably well, we could even poison you, perfectly, without even lifting a finger, if we wish to, but of course, we are too kind to do so, for we are one of a kind, in this world. 

We are one of a kind who could lift you up to the highest heaven, or bring you crushing into an unimaginable deep hell. Whether you love a woman who thinks deeply, or one who leaves the thinking to you, either way, she is one who is never to be taken lightly for she may just drive you crazy... after all... for the better, or worse. Therefore, be so kind to read between the lines, will you?

Visual 1 | Visual 2 | Visual 3 | Visual 4 | Visual 5

With love, 

Jeann

[Inspiration | Musing] April You Came To My Rescue So Aptly

Words swirl around the twisted mind, twirling within the unimaginative, for if they do not materialise and flow out of that crazy mind, they would seem treacherous, almost like a crazy fierce dog started chasing you for no particular reason, and you fear for your life so much that, you could only run, aimlessly, searching for a place to hide, a place to runaway, without the slightest idea that that place you once thought was safe and real, is none other than an illusion you build yourself, in your broken mind.

April feels like it has arrived in time to save us, save us from the unexpected turn of events in life before this. It feels like an imminent storm has settled down, it has subsided, for the better. It taught us a few good lessons in life. It reminds us to take life, with a pinch of salt, take a closer look before you leap, for that leap could either send you across to more exciting challenges ahead or leave you crashing and falling, deep beneath the abyss of regrets and there would not be any turning back after. 

We feel these shades of the coming of time speak of our current mood and state of mind beautifully, that Vanilla Sky above and those deep grey blue hues. We would love to dedicate this very simple, but absolutely stunning number called Pertolongan Mu Begitu Ajaib (loosely translated as Your Miraculous Assistance) by Indonesian singer, Citra Scolastika to a very special friend out there. You know who you are. For you who has the courage to live, the courage to re-live, the courage to not stop chasing for happiness in life, and the bravery to be who you are meant to be, we say a HUGE thank you, from the deepest of our small humble heart. 

All visuals via LUMI pinterest here.

With love, 

Jeann

[Review] Lancôme Blanc Expert Cushion Compact Emerges Stunningly From A Cool Rosy Affair

We experienced our very first Cushion Compact here previously and it was truly a great introduction to this innovative makeup product, which the Koreans are famous for. Naturally, we were extremely intrigued when we were invited to celebrate the unveiling of this luxury French brand latest innovation and release - the new Lancôme Blanc Expert Cushion Compact High Coverage SPF50 PA+++ recently at the Royal Chulan Damansara Hotel Ice Skating Rink. 

Lancôme released their very first cushion some time last year but we did not have the opportunity to try that one out yet. This time around, this NEW cushion is the meeting between Lancôme's complexion expertise, its mastery of the best filters to protect the complexion, and travel-friendly technology that prioritises freshness and lightness. Cooling, high coverage, high protection, lightweight and travel-friendly? Sounds too good to be true, right? You heard it right, stay tuned for more rosy goodness coming right up, lovelies *_^

The Beautiful Burberry Scarf That Enchanted Afternoon

Soft to the touch, luxurious to the feel and most definitely exquisite and pleasing to the admirer, that Burberry scarf speaks volume in heritage and its artisan and craftsmanship. We were terribly honored and delighted to be invited to a private viewing and to experience first hand, how an iconic British scarf is being made, the Burberry way. In fact, that was our very first Burberry event! We were extremely excited and thrilled *_^

The Burberry Scarf Bar is a celebration of the brand's iconic cashmere scarves all made in Scotland (think endless lush green landscapes and mountains, clear pristine streams with all the best mother nature has to offer). Available globally in-store and online and launched on 2nd September 2015, the Scarf Bar offers complete range of heritage and lightweight scarves made from the finest quality cashmere renowned for its feather-light weight and silky feel. Designs that can be personalized and monogrammed to have your scarf just the way you like it, the Burberry way is one enticing idea. In fact, lover of Burberry scarves can choose from over 7,000 options to create their Burberry scarf, exactly they way they love it.